Cooke Aquaculture Scotland is among the recipients of funding from the Marine Fund Scotland’s latest round of grants, announced today by Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, during a visit to Shetland.
Cooke Scotland will receive support to trial a new water-borne feeding system for salmon at its farms in the west and north of the Shetlands.
The Marine Fund Scotland is allocating £14 million in grants for 2024/25 to marine industries and coastal and island communities. A total of 67 projects have been selected for funding, with seven Shetland-based initiatives included. Among the other recipients is Vonin Scotland, which will establish a net service station on Skye, creating 15 new jobs.
Cooke Scotland’s new feeding system aims to enhance fish health and welfare by encouraging salmon to feed lower in the pens, reducing environmental challenges and minimising wildlife interactions. Additionally, the system is expected to reduce energy consumption and increase the durability of feed pipes.
David Brown, Shetland Regional Manager at Cooke Scotland, commented: “We are grateful for the grant assistance, which will enable us to trial and develop a new waterborne feed delivery method, ensuring that rural communities like Shetland can continue feeding the world with premium Scottish salmon.”
The Marine Fund Scotland has supported hundreds of projects over the past four years, helping to drive innovation, sustainability, and economic prosperity within Scotland’s marine and coastal communities.
First Minister John Swinney highlighted the significant contributions of these communities, stating, “Our island and coastal communities make a huge contribution to Scotland’s economy and sustainability efforts. I am pleased to confirm these awards, which will support innovation in the marine sector and help sustain coastal communities.”
The grants cover sectors including aquaculture, sea fisheries, seafood processing, and projects focused on improving recycling and tackling marine litter. All applicants were assessed based on their alignment with Scotland’s Blue Economy Vision.
